7-year-old Bobby Rutkoff plays both third and first base for Southside Ball's Ironbirds. He sought out the professional player uniquely qualified to give him baseball advice, Jeremy Farrell, the Birmingham Baron who also plays both third and first. The two infielders chatted at Regions Field prior to the Barons' recent 5-4 defeat of the Mississippi Braves.

Farrell: In the minor leagues, we eat a lot of peanut butter and jelly — it's pretty much a staple of minor league baseball.

Bobby: Have you played first base?

Farrell: I have played first base. I've played a little bit of first base and third base this year, and some in the outfield.

Bobby: I played first and third, too.

Bobby: Once I missed a ball at first and it hit the coach in the shoe.

Farrell: Was he okay?

Bobby: Yes. Then they switched me to third, and I caught a ball and threw to second.

Bobby: So what was your first position?

Farrell: I think I played shortstop first, but growing up I played every position.

Bobby: My first position was pitcher, and then for the second game I played first, and then I got switched to third, and then I got switched back to pitcher.

Farrell: You're pretty versatile.

Bobby: Yep. And I played center field once, but I didn't get a ball. And once I hit an infield grand slam.

Farrell: An infield grand slam?

Bobby: It was an error by the shortstop.

Farrell: You must be really fast?

Bobby: Yes. So do you guys were eye black when you're playing a game?

Farrell: Sometimes. The (Barons' major league affiliate) White Sox have a rule that we're not allowed to hit with sunglasses on. So if it's a really sunny day, sometimes we'll put eye black on to try to block the sun out of our eyes.

Bobby: One day I got eye black, and had to get a napkin to get it off, but I couldn't get it off... So how many grand slams have you hit in your career?

Farrell: I think I have two grand slams in my career.

Bobby: I only hit one home run.

Farrell: The inside-the-parker?

Bobby: Yes. Do you know how to make armpit noises?

Farrell: I do know how to make armpit noises. Do you know how to make armpit noises?

Bobby: Yes (demonstrates). Do you have to practice a lot when you're a pro?

Farrell: Yes. We practice every single day. We have batting practice and infield practice every day before the game.

Bobby: When do you bat?

Farrell: I usually hit seventh or eighth?

Bobby: I used to hit second, then they put me to last.

Farrell: (That's) second leadoff hitter.

Bobby: What do you like to do in your spare time to relax?

Farrell: My wife and son are here, and my son's 2 years old, so I like to hang out with them when I'm not at the ballpark.

Bobby: How many uniforms do you guys have?

Farrell: I think we have four different jerseys, and white pants and gray pants.

Bobby: How old were you when you started playing baseball?

Farrell: I was probably about 6 or 7.

Bobby: I started when I was 5. Where did you play?

Farrell: I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I played little league there. I played college baseball at the University of Virginia.

Bobby: How many games do you guys have a week?

Farrell: Usually seven. In professional baseball, we play every single day. Not many off days.

Bobby: Do you guys play for the White Sox in spring training?

Farrell: In the month of March, we all go to Arizona, and all of the White Sox players are there together, and (after that) we go to our respective teams.

Bobby: Where do you live now?

Farrell: In the offseason, I live with my family in Charlottesville, Virginia. For the season, we live here in Birmingham.

Bobby: Thank you so much! Is this the first time you've been interviewed by a kid?